Can clinical assessment of swallowing functions predict dysphagia in head-and-neck cancer patients?

Purpose An examination of clinical predictors (or parameters) is often used for the first evaluation of the swallowing function of head-and-neck (HNC) patients after surgery. This study aimed to scrutinize such clinical predictors regarding their predictive power for the aspiration, limitations of oral intake, and, as their derivate, a relevant oropharyngeal dysphagia (ROD). Following predictors were chosen: dysglossia, wet voice, volitional cough, mouth opening, tongue motility, tongue strength, gag reflex.